Bragging Rights

I’m a member of a few online communities focused on the practice of the Buddha’s teachings and have come to the conclusion that many people participate in such forums more for their own self-aggrandizement than for any other (legitimate) purpose.

I don’t post a lot on these forums… partially because I once noticed my own predilection toward the same behavior, and also because I do not consider myself qualified to talk on every subject that comes up. Fact is, sometimes it is just better to keep quiet and let people who think they know something do the talking — even when they may not really know so much as they think. I tend to not add my two cents to the conversation unless it is actually worth more than that.

I feel like some use spirituality as a badge of honor of sorts… This is a factor in why my blog has suffered over the last year — I really don’t want to sound like a braggart, or like I’m pushing my views on others, and I’m very well aware that I don’t really know very much. I have no interest in being a role model for anyone but my children, and even then, I’m no perfected being.

In other words: If I have ever written something that you found insightful, I’m glad. If not, I’m still glad. Either way, I hope you found some sort of amusement in reading, and if you didn’t, I hope you closed your browser window before you got too bored at least.

I feel sadness for anyone devoted to spiritual practice for the purpose of gaining the praise of others, as they will never attain meaningful peace in their lives. I want others to find that peace — I don’t really care if one is called a Muslim, Buddhist, Christian, or whatever. When we interact with others, we have the choice to either focus on praising ourselves (and potentially disparaging others) or praising others. By which is a greater happiness obtained?

Very, very wise, sir. I think your approach and example could be well-put to practice by many in this online world. As social media becomes more and more prevalent, it seems like too many people (admittedly myself at times) who feel the need to ‘respond’ or chime-in on FB, Twitter, blogs, etc, merely because they need some type of feeling of being right. You are absolutely right – sometimes it is better for us to take a step back and be quiet and observe. I hope I can follow your great example and that others start to as well. Some fine wisdom to take from your post. Thank you!

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Kept only merely for historical reference; my old Blogspot Page (Aug. 7, 2010 to Februart 12, 2012). Not exactly a blog on religion or anything -- more like a page of complaints. It is interesting to see how my perspective on things has changed over the years.

Buddha (and related) Images

Buddha image in Kentucky.

Triptych – Christina Varga (portion)

Buddha image in Kentucky.

Scene depicting the preaching of Abhidhamma to the Devas.

Buddha Rupa on my Shrine Table

Buddha image in Kentucky.

“Buddhist Cheat-Sheet”

The Noble Eightfold Path

Buddhist Shrine at a Vietnamese Buddhist temple in Kentucky

Things to Think About…

Buddhaghosa, in discussing anger said, “By doing this you are like a man who wants to hit another and picks up a burning ember or excrement in his hand and so first burns himself or makes himself stink.”
Visuddhimagga IX, 23

"Little though he recites the sacred texts, but puts the Teaching into practice, forsaking lust, hatred, and delusion, with true wisdom and emancipated mind, clinging to nothing of this or any other world — he indeed partakes of the blessings of a holy life."
Dhammapada verse 20

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